Paul Smith & Land Rover

Paul Smith has designed a one-off bespoke version of the archetypal 4x4.

As one of the world's most recognisable cars edges toward retirement, Paul Smith has designed a one-off bespoke version of the archetypal 4x4 – the Land Rover Defender.

Using a palette of 27 individual colours, Paul has created a typically vibrant and utterly unique version of the Defender that nods to the cars impeccable service history with the Army, Navy and Airforce. The colours also reference the Defender's ties to British countryside, for which it has been a symbol and ambassador for the past 60 years.

"I wanted deep, rich colours, but at the same time, I wanted them to work together yet be surprising", says Paul.

Design elements used in the Defender also tie into other recent collaborations, as Paul explains: "I wanted to give this Defender a feeling of luxury. So I used a mix of leather and fabric for the seats. I actually used the fabric that I design for Maharam, the American upholstery company. My designs are known for their attention to detail, so I didn't want this Defender to be any different."

With production of the Land Rover Defender due to end in December of this year, this is a fitting tribute to one of Britain the world's best loved vehicles. The Paul Smith and Land Rover Defender is being launched the Paul Smith flagship shop on Mayfair's Albemarle Street today by Paul and Land Rover's Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern, who helped to bring this special collaboration to fruition.